Nonmilitary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nonmilitary

[nɒnˈmɪlɪˌtɛri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

related to activities or resources not involving the military

Not involving or related to military activities or resources.

Synonyms

civilian, noncombatant, peaceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nonmilitary	Used when distinguishing roles, actions, objects, or organizations that are not related to military or armed forces. The project focuses on nonmilitary applications of the new technology. She pursued a career in the nonmilitary sector.
civilian	Refers to people who are not members of the military, police, or firefighting forces. Often used in contrast with military personnel. Even as a civilian, he felt a strong duty to serve his country. Civilian casualties should be minimized in any conflict.
noncombatant	Describes individuals or activities not involved in fighting during a war or conflict. Often used for roles that support the military but do not engage in combat. Medical staff are considered noncombatants under the Geneva Convention. They served as noncombatants, providing logistical support to the troops.
peaceful	Implies a state or intention of harmony, free from conflict or violence. Can describe situations, environments, or intentions. The village was a peaceful haven away from the war-torn regions. They protested in a peaceful manner.

Examples of usage

Nonmilitary personnel are not allowed in the restricted area.
The organization focuses on providing nonmilitary support for refugees.
The country invests a significant amount in nonmilitary research and development.
The company is proud of its nonmilitary approach to conflict resolution.
The government is looking to reduce its nonmilitary spending.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

not using or involving military force or weapons

Not using or involving military force or weapons.

Synonyms

diplomatic, nonaggressive, peaceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nonmilitary	Refers to actions, organizations, or strategies that are not related to the military. Often used in a technical or formal context. The nonmilitary operations of the organization included disaster relief and humanitarian aid. They focused their budget on nonmilitary research and development projects.
peaceful	Refers to a state or condition where there is no conflict or violence. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts and usually has a positive connotation. The town is known for its peaceful atmosphere. They reached a peaceful settlement after months of discussions.
nonaggressive	Describes behavior or actions that are not confrontational or hostile. Works in both formal and informal contexts. The dog's nonaggressive nature made it perfect for a family pet. They adopted a nonaggressive approach to the negotiations.
diplomatic	Describes actions, efforts, or interactions aimed at managing international relations through negotiation and dialogue. Often used in political or formal contexts. The ambassador had to use diplomatic skills to resolve the conflict. Diplomatic efforts have prevented the escalation of the dispute.

Examples of usage

The group advocates for nonmilitary solutions to global conflicts.
The treaty prohibits the use of nonmilitary force in the region.
The country has a long history of nonmilitary defense strategies.
The organization promotes nonmilitary interventions in crisis situations.
The government emphasizes diplomacy over nonmilitary actions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, 'nonmilitary' sectors like education and healthcare are essential for fostering peace and development.
Art and music are often seen as nonmilitary avenues that promote harmony and are viewed as powerful alternatives to conflict.
Nonmilitary organizations, such as NGOs, play critical roles in disaster response and humanitarian efforts globally.

Political Science

Nonmilitary actions often pertain to diplomacy and negotiations, aiming to resolve conflicts without armed confrontation.
Many countries prioritize nonmilitary strengths, such as technology and economy, to enhance their global standing.
International relations often use nonmilitary strategies, showcasing that peacebuilding can be achieved through cooperation rather than conflict.

Science and Technology

The development of nonmilitary technologies, like renewable energy sources, is crucial for sustainable progress without warfare.
Nonmilitary aerospace initiatives focus on space exploration, environmental monitoring, and satellite communications, benefiting humanity.
Research in nonmilitary robotics aims at humanitarian uses, such as disaster relief and aiding elderly populations.

Historical Context

Throughout history, many movements for change have embraced nonmilitary tactics, emphasizing protests and advocacy rather than violence.
The concept of civilian service, particularly in countries like Germany and Sweden, allows individuals to contribute in nonmilitary roles during national service.
Nonmilitary strategies have led to significant social reforms in various nations, showcasing the impact of peaceful resistance movements.

Origin of 'nonmilitary'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin, meaning 'not' or 'without', and it's often used to indicate the absence of something.
The term 'military' is derived from the Latin word 'militari', which means 'to serve as a soldier' or 'pertaining to soldiers'.
Combining these elements, 'nonmilitary' directly conveys the idea of something that is not related to military activities.

The word 'nonmilitary' is a combination of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'military' referring to activities or resources related to the armed forces. It first appeared in the early 20th century during a time of growing awareness of the distinction between military and civilian spheres. As global conflicts evolved, the need for nonmilitary solutions became increasingly recognized, leading to the usage of the term in various contexts.

See also: militarism, militarized, paramilitary.